Blauburgunder

The unique Pinot Noir taste: a delight for wine lovers

Pinot Noir is one of the finest red wine varieties in the world. It is not only native to Burgundy, but also to special regions such as South Tyrol, where the grape has developed excellently and taken on a identity all of its own. Its fine structure, complex aroma spectrum and elegant appearance make it a valued companion for special occasions. In Switzerland, especially in Valais and Graubünden, Pinot Noir has a long tradition and enjoys great popularity.

Introduction to Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir, also known as Pinot Noir, is one of the most popular and highest quality grape varieties in the world. This variety is particularly demanding in terms of environmental conditions in the vineyard and in the cellar. The vinification and ripeness of the grapes are decisive factors for the quality of the wines. The location also plays an important role, as Pinot Noir can produce particularly high-quality wines when grown in ideal soil and under optimal climatic conditions. The grape variety is known by various names, including Blauer Spätburgunder and Pinot Noir, which underlines its widespread distribution in different countries.

Origin and distribution of Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir originated in Burgundy, France, where it has been cultivated for centuries. From there, the grape variety spread to many wine-growing regions in Europe and around the world. In Switzerland, Pinot Noir is mainly found in the cantons of Zurich, Aargau, Graubünden and Valais. The variety is also successfully cultivated in Germany, Austria and Italy, especially in South Tyrol.

The Pinot Noir grape: demanding and fascinating

The Pinot Noir grape is known for its thin skin and sensitivity to climatic conditions. It places high demands on the soil, especially fertile, deep and warm soils that ensure optimal water supply, as well as climate and care, but rewards the winemaker with wines of exceptional finesse and depth. The grapes ripen early and require careful handling in the vineyard and cellar.

The difference between Pinot Noir and other grape varieties

Pinot Noir stands out from other grape varieties thanks to its unique combination of taste, aroma and colour. Compared to other red wine varieties such as Schwarzriesling or Spätburgunder, Pinot Noir has a rather light colour and a subtle aroma spectrum ranging from red berries to prunes. Pinot Noir grapes are small and densely clustered, which distinguishes them from other varieties such as Traminer or Wild. These special characteristics make Pinot Noir a fascinating and versatile grape variety.

Characteristics and taste of Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir wines are characterised by a light to medium ruby red colour. The bouquet reveals aromas of red berries such as cherries, raspberries and strawberries, accompanied by floral notes such as violets. With increasing maturity, complex tertiary aromas such as leather, mushrooms and undergrowth develop. On the palate, Pinot Noir is elegant, with fine acidity and silky tannins.

Vinification and ageing

The vinification of Pinot Noir requires a delicate touch. Depending on the style, the wine is aged in stainless steel tanks to emphasise its freshness and fruitiness, or in barriques to give it additional structure and complexity. In Switzerland, many winemakers use a combination of both methods to get the best out of the grape.

Pinot Noir and food: a versatile accompaniment

Thanks to its elegant structure, soft, elegant fullness and balanced acidity, Pinot Noir is an excellent accompaniment to food. It goes particularly well with:

• Poultry dishes such as duck or guinea fowl
• Veal and tender beef
• Mushroom dishes and truffles
• Medium-hard cheeses such as Gruyère or Appenzeller
• Asian dishes, especially those with duck or pork

The versatility of Pinot Noir makes it an ideal wine for a variety of culinary experiences.

Ageing potential and drinking maturity

Pinot Noir wines are generally ready to drink early, but can also age well depending on their quality and vinification, as well as the location where the vines grow. Some high-quality examples develop additional complexity and depth over the years. The optimal drinking age is usually between 3 and 8 years after harvest.

Pinot Noir in Switzerland: regional characteristics

Pinot Noir has a long tradition in Switzerland, with the different growing regions playing a decisive role in the characteristics and quality of the wine. In Graubünden, especially in the Bündner Herrschaft, elegant and mineral wines with great ageing potential are produced. In Valais, the grape variety produces fruity and accessible wines. Pinot Noir is also successfully cultivated in eastern Switzerland and Aargau.

International styles: a comparison

While Pinot Noir is known in Switzerland for its elegance and finesse, international versions display different characteristics:

• In France, particularly in Burgundy, complex and long-lived wines with great ageing potential are produced.
• German Pinot Noir is characterised by freshness and precise fruit.
• In California and New Zealand, the grape variety produces powerful and fruity wines.

This diversity makes Pinot Noir an exciting grape variety for explorers.

Wine styles and variations

Pinot Noir is a versatile grape variety that is cultivated in different wine styles and variations. From light and fruity to complex and tannic, Pinot Noir offers a wide range of flavours and aromas. The wines can vary depending on the growing region, climate and vinification, making Pinot Noir an interesting and diverse grape variety. Examples of wine styles and variations include Barrique-Auslese, which has an elegant and complex note, and Spätburgunder, which has a fruity and light-footed note.

Data and statistics

The area under cultivation for Pinot Noir in Austria is 602.74 hectares, which corresponds to 1.4% of the total vineyard area. In South Tyrol, the area under cultivation is 580 hectares, which accounts for 10.0% of South Tyrol's total vineyard area. Pinot Noir is also widespread in other countries such as France, Switzerland, Italy and New Zealand, underlining its importance as a major grape variety. The average drinking temperature for Pinot Noir wines is between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius, making them a perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of dishes.

Buying Pinot Noir: tips for choosing

When buying Pinot Noir wines, it is worth paying attention to the following aspects:

• Vintage: Good years produce balanced and harmonious wines.
• Ageing: Barrique ageing gives the wine additional structure and complexity.
• Origin: Regional differences influence the style and character of the wine. The name Pinot Noir refers to its origins in Burgundy and describes how this variety found a special home in South Tyrol on its journey around the world.
• Producer: Renowned winemakers stand for quality and craftsmanship.

Conscious purchasing allows you to find the right Pinot Noir for every occasion.

Serving tips and drinking temperature

To experience the full spectrum of aromas in Pinot Noir, the wine should be served at a temperature of 14 to 16 degrees Celsius. A large Burgundy glass allows the wine to develop optimally. The thin-skinned Pinot Noir grapes require very careful handling, as damage to the skin causes the juice to be released too early, which can affect the quality of the wine. Before drinking, it is recommended to let the wine breathe for a short time to allow the aromas to develop.

Pinot Noir: a wine for connoisseurs

Pinot Noir delights with its elegance, finesse and complexity. Whether as an accompaniment to fine food or on its own, this wine offers a special taste experience. Discover the diversity of Pinot Noir and let yourself be seduced by its sophistication.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What does Pinot Noir taste like?

Pinot Noir tastes fruity and elegant with aromas of cherries, berries and often violets, which have subtle differences and overlaps in the aromas, such as undergrowth or spices. The wine is usually velvety and finely structured.

Is Pinot Noir the same as Pinot Noir?

Yes, Pinot Noir is the German name for Pinot Noir – they are the same grape variety. The vine has specific soil and climate requirements that influence its cultivation in different regions.

How should Pinot Noir be drunk?

Pinot Noir is ideally served at 14–16 °C in a large Burgundy glass. When slightly aerated, it develops its aromas optimally. A good water supply is crucial for the quality of Pinot Noir, as it supports the growth and yield of the Pinot Noir grape variety.

What else is Pinot Noir called?

Other names for Pinot Noir are Spätburgunder (Germany) and Pinot Nero (Italy). The petiole sinus is a botanical feature often used to describe the shape and arrangement of leaves or petals.

Which grape is used in Burgundy?

Classic red wine from Burgundy (France) almost always contains Pinot Noir grapes, whose shape is reminiscent of pine cones.

Are Pinot Noir and Blaufränkisch the same thing?

No, Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder) and Blaufränkisch are two different grape varieties with their own character and origin. Blauburgunder from Mazon, a municipality near Neumarkt in South Tyrol, has special characteristics that make it warm and inviting.

What does Blauburgunder wine taste like?

Pinot Noir wine tastes fresh, fruity and delicate, especially when it comes from medium-high slopes with calcareous gravel soils at altitudes above 400 metres above sea level. Typical aromas include cherries, raspberries, violets and a hint of spice.

What is Federweisser called in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, Federweisser is usually called ‘Suser’ or, regionally, ‘Sauser’.

What else is Pinot Noir called?

Pinot Noir is also called Blauburgunder, Spätburgunder or Pinot Nero, depending on the language region.